J-Kwon | Interview (2004)

Aries (T M H): "Tipsy," is now a top 10 hit and it took no time getting there. Were you taken by surprise of the immediate good reception of the single?
J-Kwon: Yeah I was surprised. "Tipsy" was actually one of the last songs I recorded for the album and I knew once it was done it would be the first single.

Aries (T M H): Any collabos on the album?
J-Kwon: Yeah I do, I'm happy you asked that. I got Nelly, Murphy Lee and JD. They're talking real hood. JD did a song and The Track Boyz did about 90% of the album.

Aries (T M H): What rappers were you influenced by?
J-Kwon: I guess I would say Jay-Z. I look up to him, I don't know if I would say I was influenced because I'm not trying to be like him. I do look up to him.

Aries (T M H): What is your opinion on the state of hip-hop at the moment?
J-Kwon: I can't really judge it right now, it's too early for me. Now don't get me wrong if I sell a few million then I will be able to state an opinion. But right now I don't think I could really judge it, I'm the new kid on the block. Once I sell some copies I will be talking about everything.

Aries (T M H): What's your favorite track on your album?
J-Kwon: All of them, but If I had to pick one it would be "Ask Me." That track is very emotional.

Aries (T M H): I've read where you've said "Ask Me" is your most personal song, what does that single touch on?
J-Kwon: My life. I took all 17 years of my life and put it into a 3 minute song.

Aries (T M H): What's the next single from your album?
J-Kwon: I know but I can't tell right now (laughs), it will breech my contract.

Aries (T M H): What's next for J-Kwon?
J-Kwon: A lot of television. I did Apollo, some MTV shows including MTV spring break which kicks off this weekend on MTV. I'm hosting 4 shows. Rap City is coming up and some more stuff. I'm also going to be doing a lot of shows, so be looking out for me.

Aries (T M H): What artists would you like to collab with in the future?
J-Kwon: None (laughs) - Well Jay-Z.

Aries (T M H): Any last words for your fans?
J-Kwon: My last words are stay positive. You can do anything if you put your mind to it. I want everybody to go out and pick up Murphy Lee's CD and Chingy's and of course mines. Representing St. Louis.

J-Kwon: Are you an Aries?
Aries (T M H): Yes, April 6th.
J-Kwon: That's cool, me too. My birthday is March 25th, I'll be 18.
Aries (T M H): Happy birthday in advance, we'll have to kick it when you come to Minneapolis.
J-Kwon: No Doubt!